Met-ocean Data Measurements and Analysis for Offshore Structures and Operations

James Mathewson()

Abstract

Met-ocean data measurements and analysis play a crucial role in the design, operation, and maintenance of offshore structures and operations. This paper provides an overview of the importance of met-ocean data in the offshore industry and discusses the methods and techniques used for data measurement and analysis.

Offshore structures, such as oil and gas platforms, wind farms, and marine renewable energy installations, are exposed to extreme environmental conditions, including waves, currents, winds, and water levels. Accurate and reliable met-ocean data is essential for assessing the environmental loads and designing safe and cost-effective offshore structures. The paper highlights the importance of long-term measurements and the use of met-ocean criteria in the design process to ensure the integrity and performance of offshore installations.

Met-ocean data is also vital for the safe and efficient operation of offshore facilities. Real-time monitoring of environmental conditions enables the assessment of vessel motions, dynamic positioning system performance, and the implementation of operational limits. Additionally, met-ocean data is utilized in weather forecasting, wave and current hindcasting, and risk assessment, contributing to the overall safety and productivity of offshore operations.

Various measurement techniques are employed for collecting met-ocean data. This includes the use of weather buoys, wave rider buoys, current meters, anemometers, tide gauges, and remote sensing technologies such as satellite altimetry and synthetic aperture radar. The paper discusses the advantages and limitations of these measurement methods and emphasizes the need for quality control and validation procedures to ensure the accuracy of the collected data.

The analysis of met-ocean data involves statistical analysis, spectral analysis, and numerical modeling techniques. Statistical analysis provides insights into the long-term characteristics and extreme events of met-ocean parameters, while spectral analysis helps in understanding the frequency content and energy distribution of waves and currents. Numerical models, such as wave models and circulation models, are used for hindcasting, forecasting, and simulating met-ocean conditions. The paper highlights the advancements in numerical modeling and the incorporation of data assimilation techniques for improving the accuracy of met-ocean predictions.

In conclusion, met-ocean data measurements and analysis are essential for offshore structures and operations. The accurate assessment of environmental loads, real-time monitoring of conditions, and reliable predictions contribute to the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of offshore activities. Continued research and development in met-ocean measurement techniques, data analysis methods, and modeling approaches will further enhance the understanding and utilization of met-ocean data in the offshore industry.

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26549/jms.v5i2.15922